Suspected outbreak of cryptosporidium investigated as 'hundreds' fall ill

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Authorities are investigating a suspected outbreak of cryptosporidium in the South-West of England.Many residents in Brixham have told Devon Live how they have been poorly for days, while a community group on Facebook was flooded with locals reporting symptoms of the potentially deadly diarrhoea-causing disease.One resident said they had been left bed-bound for eight days with the 'worst illness' they have ever experienced.Cryptosporidium can be found in the intestines and faeces of infected humans and animals and can be caused by swimming in or drinking contaminated water or other sources such as contaminated food.Symptoms include profuse watery diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, low-grade fever and loss of appetite, and usually last between one to two weeks.South West Water (SWW) has confirmed the tests it has carried out on the quality of drinking water in Brixham have currently all come back clear.But the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is yet to confirm details about their investigation into the alleged outbreak.A South West Water spokesperson said: “We are aware of posts on social media regarding the quality of drinking water in the Brixham area and we would like to reassure customers that the water supply is fine to continue to use as normal.

We have carried out sampling and tests for cryptosporidium and all results have come back clear. “We always carefully monitor our drinking water supplies and we are supporting the UK Health Security Agency with their investigations.”It has not yet been confirmed how many cases of cryptosporidium have been recorded.

However, community Facebook page Brixham Fish Town has been inundated with posts and comments from residents saying they have come down with symptoms.